Places for a Public Health Nurse to Work

I know Public Health Nurse is generally a title at the health department; but for the purposes of this thread I will use the term loosely. I was wondering, where are (all) the places a Public Health Nurse can work? I am looking for more of actual prevention and education aspect.

Here's the ones I know of:

Health Departments
Planned Parenthood

I keep looking at nursing jobs and truthfully, nothing with job postings really jumps out at me like public health nursing settings do. Not even doctor's offices and urgent care clinics. I think it is because of the goal of care--yes, both are clinics and have decent hours; however, I really, really love the idea of prevention, education, and advocacy. I also really like the collaboration that happens with community outreach agencies.

Some federally funded clinics (sort of like health departments with the state) have the same type of job a PHN has. I don't know much about those but I do know they're out there and their services. That's about all I know of.

Mar 4, '13

I currently work for my county's Department of Public Health in a clinic. We educate, educate, educate! We serve those in underserved communities in the following areas: reproductive health (sti's, birth control, etc), immunizations, TB and HIV/AIDS. I love it! I hope this helps.

Mar 4, '13

PHNs make great CASE MANAGERS! Anywhere!

Mar 5, '13

Nurse Family Partnership! National program, evidence-based. Google them and check out their website.

Mar 9, '13

There are lots of opportunities for PHN! What area interests you -OB/GYN, Pedi, chronic health, etc... There are PHN jobs available just by speciality. I work in a family planning and STD clinic. There are also job for Pedi PHN case managers to follow preemies once they get home, FTT babies, CPS cases. If women's health interests you some domestic violence shelters have clinics attached, preg teen programs for case management, NFP programs. Chronic health -community ed and case management for DM, hypertension, etc.. Really the sky's the limit!

Jul 25, '13

Maternal and Child Health. I work out in the community seeing pregnant and postpartum women in their homes. The scheduling is flexible and it is highly autonomous.

Jul 27, '13

wannaberetired,

what company do you work for?

Jul 28, '13

I'm guessing Nurse-Family Partnership

Jul 29, '13

You're probably right. Thanks!

Jul 30, '13

Hey Everyone!
I want to get into PHN and Community Health nursing. I work in critical care right now and acute care prior to that but always in a hospital setting. Ive never been an acute care person but in order to gain experience in nursing I was forced to take hospital jobs. I don't like my job now and Im ready for a more satisfying career. Can anyone help me figure out how to get a set into PHN?

Hey Everyone!
I want to get into PHN and Community Health nursing. I work in critical care right now and acute care prior to that but always in a hospital setting. Ive never been an acute care person but in order to gain experience in nursing I was forced to take hospital jobs. I don't like my job now and Im ready for a more satisfying career. Can anyone help me figure out how to get a set into PHN?

Any tips are appreciated! Thanks!

I got my PHN job through contacts. A doctor knew me, heard about the job, and thought I'd be "perfect" for it. I don't know about perfect, but I'm certainly happy. Talk to nurses at your county's health department, and keep your eyes and ears open.